The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara, Mr Bolakale Kawu, has promised a secure, productive and prosperous Kwara, if elected.
Kawu made the pledge in Ilorin on Thursday during the Unveiling of his Campaign Manifesto, with the theme: “My Covenant With Kwara”.
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According to him, the manifesto was not merely a political document but a vision, a practical programme of action and a contract with the people of Kwara.
He said it demonstrated his readiness to hit the ground running from day one, adding that governance required careful, strategic and deliberate planning.
“I do not seek to enter government with an empty head or mind as we have seen in recent times,” Kawu said.
The governorship candidate, a retired top civil servant, who worked at the Rural Electrification Agency, said his experience in project conception, design, implementation and monitoring had equipped him to deliver development to all parts of the state.
According to him, his focus will be on grassroots development.
Kawu said the manifesto was informed by fact-finding visits across the state, during which he listened to residents and saw communities affected by insecurity, poor roads, unreliable electricity, inadequate healthcare and limited economic opportunities.
He recalled his visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where he said he saw destruction and traumatised residents who had lost loved ones.
“Security must never be treated as a mere government policy or political promise. It is about human lives,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate said his vision rests on three pillars; Security, Productivity and Prosperity of the state.
On security, Kawu said the first responsibility of any government was to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
He promised to establish a ₦100 billion Security Trust Fund to fund intelligence-led operations, stronger community partnerships and well-equipped and coordinated security services.
“As Governor I will not rest or sleep when the life of any Kwaran is under threat,” he said.
On the economy, he proposed a ₦9.6 billion statewide market traders’ revolving loan scheme and another ₦9.6 billion revolving single-digit loan scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He said his administration would prioritise qualified indigenous contractors in government contracts to retain investments within Kwara, create jobs and develop local capacity.
Kawu promised investment in roads, electricity access in the state, particularly in rural communities, through renewable energy and rural electrification, and improved access to clean water.
He also proposed a ₦40 billion Kwara Regional Development Agency, with a minimum of ₦5 billion as counterpart funding for donor sources over four years.
He further said that a special grassroots initiative would be undertaken whereby ₦50 million would be allocated to each of the 193 wards within the first 100 days in office, representing ₦9.65 billion, to address pressing needs of people in the communities.
“We will not measure development merely by the number of projects commissioned but by the number of people whose lives are improved by them,” he said.
On education, Kawu promised to rebuild run-down schools, provide teaching and learning materials, strengthen teachers’ welfare and introduce a ₦4 billion provision for a special hardship monthly allowance for teachers in underserved, rural and hard-to-reach communities.
On healthcare, he promised to strengthen primary healthcare across the 16 local government areas, improve access to medicines and equipment, and introduce a special rural health workers’ allowance.
He also promised a 13th month salary for civil servants, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, and focus on maternal and child health, immunisation and preventive healthcare.
Kawu said his government would create 200,000 new youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually.
His government, he said, would establish a ₦3 billion Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund, and provide business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans annually.
On agriculture, he promised a state-supported agricultural production fund of not less than ₦19.2 billion to provide affordable finance and inputs to farmers and cooperatives.
The governorship candidate also promised to strengthen pension administration, address outstanding obligations through a transparent framework, and introduce an increase in payment value estimated at ₦4 billion over four years.
He also promised to involve traditional rulers in development and review their salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
Kawu said that implementation of his policies and programmes would be driven by responsible planning and budgeting, efficient resource mobilisation, effective government systems, transparency and accountability, and citizen participation.
He commended the PDP leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him and specially acknowledged former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
He observed that the tenure of Dr Bukola Saraki as governor of the state marked an important period of responsible leadership and development.
“We will not build Kwara through hatred, bitterness or unnecessary division.
“We may disagree politically, but we must never lose sight of our shared humanity and common destiny,” he said.
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